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Cataract Surgery

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens inside your eye caused by the normal aging process. Currently, more than 60% of the population over the age of sixty develop cataracts.

The eye functions much like a camera. As light rays enter the eye through the lens, the lens bends the light rays to focus objects onto the back of the eye, or retina. From there, the image passes through the retinal cells, into the optic nerve, and finally these light images are transmitted to your brain, where vision occurs.

What Causes Cataracts?

As a person ages, cataracts occur when there is a buildup of protein in the lens. Cataracts prevent light from passing clearly through the lens causing vision to become cloudy or fogged. As this cloudiness increases, even glasses will not correct the condition. The longer a cataract is allowed to develop, the greater the chances that your vision can become completely blocked, thereby causing blindness.

Common Symptoms of Cataracts

Laser Cataract Surgery

Why is Laser Technology better?

While all human eyes share the same basic anatomical structure, no two eyes are exactly the same. This is why every eye must be carefully measured and mapped before undergoing cataract surgery. Modern laser cataract microsurgery involves removing the aged clouded natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens implant to restore your vision. These lenses are commonly referred to as Intra-Ocular Lenses (IOLs).

Cataract surgery can be intimidating. However, thanks to medical advancements, cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures performed today. Our expert staff and experienced doctors have you covered. Your eye care is our top priority.

Have questions about Cataract Surgery?

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Advanced Technology

While all human eyes share the same basic anatomical structure, no two eyes are exactly the same. This is why every eye must be carefully measured and mapped before undergoing cataract surgery. Fortunately, Alcon’s LenSx® laser offers a truly custom-tailored cataract surgical solution.

Utilizing a bladeless, computer-controlled laser and a range of highly advanced technologies, the LenSx® laser captures incredibly precise, high-resolution images of the eyes. These images, along with the precise measurements and key data they provide, are then used to plan and perform a surgery to exacting, individualized specifications not attainable with other surgical methods.

The LenSx® laser performs several of the most critical steps of the surgical process with its image-guided, high-repetition-rate femtosecond laser—one of the most technologically advanced devices of its kind. Femtosecond laser pulses provide the surgeon with an innovative aiming system that localizes specific targets in the eye. The LenSx® laser then utilizes an optical delivery system to precisely deliver those laser pulses exactly where they need to go. The result is extraordinary accuracy—and excellent results.

The LenSx® laser also comes equipped with a unique software control system that analyzes high-resolution images of the eye, helping the surgeon customize the cataract procedure. In addition, the computer-controlled LenSx® laser also visualizes and performs the procedure on command from the surgeon. This ensures the highest precision surgical incisions, plus unmatched accuracy every step of the way.

The ORA™ (Optiwave Refractive Analysis) System from Alcon continuously monitors refractive measurements of the patient’s eye during cataract surgery. This real-time display is remarkably accurate and allows Dr. Young to customize each individual patient’s procedure to give them their best visual outcome.

When you choose the ORA™ system procedure from the Young Eye Institute, you will enjoy the benefits of:

  • an optimized level of precise measurements for each individual’s cataract procedure
  • optimal placement of the intraocular lens implant using real-time measurements
  • in patients with astigmatism, the ability to improve the outcome of astigmatic correction after surgery

We are proud to be one of the first centers in the nation to offer the Alcon AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® lens implant. It is the first and only trifocal lens implant available in the United States.

The AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® IOL is a type of multifocal IOL used to focus images clearly onto the back of your eye (retina) to allow clear vision after the cataract removal. In addition, the center of the AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal IOL allows for better near (reading) vision and intermediate (computer work) vision versus what a monofocal lens would provide.

Alcon’s newest IOL, AcrySof® IQ Vivity™, allows you to see clearly at the crucial far and intermediate distances while still providing you with functional near vision.

To learn more about the advanced technology lens implants available at the Young Eye Institute, call 1-800-228-4214 for more information.

Another form of advanced laser is also available here at The Young Eye Institute – the Zeiss YAG laser. It is effective in performing certain types of operations without cutting the eye. Our surgeon frequently uses this laser to clear cloudy membranes which can occur months or even years after a cataract is removed. This laser procedure is also performed on an outpatient basis, so there is no hospitalization and you can return home immediately after the procedure.